Sioux Falls Police & Local Hero Successfully Find Runaway Horse

There was a little extra excitement during the 8th Annual Native American Day Parade in downtown Sioux Falls.

At the end of the parade route on Phillips Avenue, officers with the Sioux Falls Police Department and civilian Jaquin from Santee, Nebraska, sprang into action as one of the horses broke free from its handlers.

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Once the horse was loose, the race was on along Phillips Avenue and throughout the busy Sioux Falls streets. Luckily for the Sioux Falls Police officers, parade participant Jaquin was up for the challenge and put his riding skills to the test. Not only is Jaquin a welder, but he also breaks horses for a living.

Needless to say, the Sioux Falls Police Department appreciated Jaquin's talents and shared this epic saga in a Facebook post.

Officials say Jaquin was truly a hero during this terrifying moment for both the horse and himself. But eventually, Jaquin did manage to capture the runaway horse safely.

Jaquin was in hot pursuit on his horse, truly risking serious injury chasing the runaway horse so fast. He was finally able to get it corralled near E 15th Street and S 1st Ave when Officer Lieuwen caught up and helped secure his horse for him. Note: Officer Lieuwen did let Gradester off with the following warnings: 

- Aggravated Eluding
- Speeding
- At least 3-4 stop light violations
- Wrong Way In Traffic
- Intentional Damage to Property for eating some park grass
- Trespassing for going into an unknown person's fenced backyard

This was not an easy job! Way to go, Sioux Falls Police and Jaquin!